The western coast of Scotland and the desolate Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the MacCaulage family. Their name is derived from the personal nameTammas, which is the Lowland Scottish form of Thomas. The Gaelic forms of the name are Mac Tamhais or Mac Thamhais, both of which mean son of Tammas.

Early Origins of the MacCaulage family

The surname MacCaulage was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where the first recorded Chief was MacGilla Tamhais whose name became anglicized as MacIltavish. A later Chief, Collen, called the 'good bald Colin' of Dunardarie, son of Gillespick, was directly descended from the Tavish Corr. Although it is reasonably clear that the Clan was settled in Craignish well before 800 AD, the historical records show little of their activities or family relationships.

Although many historians list this Clan as a sept of the Campbells, and others claim that a relationship to the Frasers existed, there is no good reason to suppose these relationships were the result of anything other than geographical proximity. There has also been some confusion between the MacTavishes and the MacThomas. Here also, the relationship is tenuous - the Thomsons being a separate Border Clan with its own Chief at that time. The Chief of the MacTavishes is considered to be the MacTavish of Dunardrie.

Early History of the MacCaulage family

Early History of the MacCaulage family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacCaulage research.Another 527 words (38 lines of text) covering the years 1355, 1858, 1997, 1755 and 1815 are included under the topic Early MacCaulage History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacCaulage Spelling Variations

MacCaulage Spelling Variations

Spelling variations were extremely common in medieval names, since scribes from that era recorded names according to sound rather than a standard set of rules. MacCaulage has appeared in various documents spelled MacTavish, McTavish, MacTaffish, McTaffish and many more.

Early Notables of the MacCaulage family (pre 1700)

Early Notables of the MacCaulage family (pre 1700)

Another 40 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacCaulage Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacCaulage family to Ireland

Migration of the MacCaulage family to Ireland

Some of the MacCaulage family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 79 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacCaulage family to the New World and Oceana

Migration of the MacCaulage family to the New World and Oceana

The descendants of the Dalriadan families who made the great crossing of the Atlantic still dot communities along the east coast of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many of the settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Clan societies and highland games have allowed Canadian and American families of Scottish descent to recover much of their lost heritage. Investigation of the origins of family names on the North American continent has revealed that early immigrants bearing the name MacCaulage or a variant listed above include: Simon McTavish, who arrived in New York in 1764; Elizabeth McTavish, who came to New York in 1765; John George Mactavish, was on record in Montreal, Canada between the years 1782-1798.

The MacCaulage Motto

The MacCaulage Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.